Before the summer season, there is always a huge temptation to get rid of a couple of extra kilos. However, these efforts often result in a rebellious body doing its best to make up for the lack of calories by raiding the fridge at night. How would you react if we told you that common spices can help you lose weight?
Attention: in our articles, we gather the latest scientific evidence and the opinions of respected health experts. However, remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Without a doubt, you will find them in your kitchen as well – natural spices that you use to prepare various dishes. Of course, if you want to lose a lot of weight, this alone will not be enough. You will have to take care of optimal physical activity and a balanced diet (you will have to give up fast food or constant snacking). However, these spices will help you get rid of bad habits that contribute to the appearance of extra pounds.
Helper 1: Cinnamon
“This spice has an extraordinary ability to reduce cravings for sweets and appetite in general,” explains nutritionist Elena Syurakhina. It is because of increased blood sugar that we experience bouts of “terrible” hunger, and cinnamon helps to maintain a sense of satiety.
“I eat oatmeal with milk, bananas and cinnamon every morning and it’s the best thing in the world!” – Kourtney Marie Kardashian, model.
In addition, according to the doctor, this seasoning contains many minerals and vitamins useful for the body, which cleanse it of toxins and strengthen the immune system. The most important thing is not to use ground cinnamon mixed with sugar, but cinnamon sticks.
What to season with cinnamon: tea, coffee with milk, cottage cheese, baked apples, natural yogurt, fruit salad.
When cinnamon is contraindicated: despite all the benefits, cinnamon can harm people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, kidneys and liver, as well as patients with hypertension.
Helper 2: Turmeric
Another popular and well-known spice not only gives a spicy taste to dishes and a golden hue, but also perfectly accelerates the metabolism in the body. According to nutritionist Yekaterina Maslova, this happens due to the substance curcumin, which is part of the composition of turmeric. It slows down the formation of adipose tissue and promotes its breakdown, and also helps to easily digest heavy food (for example, red meat).
What to season with turmeric: tea, coffee, sauces, salad dressings, stews, hot vegetable dishes, rice and legume dishes, stewed meat.
When turmeric is contraindicated: it should be avoided in people with exacerbations of any chronic diseases of the digestive system, as well as in people with hypotension.
Helper 3: Mints
Mint is often used as an additional ingredient in various dishes and drinks, giving them a pleasant aroma. “However, not everyone knows that mint can be used to fight obesity,” notes nutritionist Elena Syurakhina.
The fact is that this plant helps with many health problems: relieves heartburn, flatulence, indigestion, supports intestinal and gall bladder health. Mint has a positive effect on the microflora of the digestive tract, reduces appetite and normalizes metabolism in the body.
“I like peppermint tea because it calms the stomach much better than medicine.” – Deirdre O’Kane, Irish actress and comedian.
What to season with mint: tea, fruit drinks, salads, sauces, meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
When mint is contraindicated: mint is good for almost everyone except people suffering from low blood pressure or varicose veins.
